NFL: Chargers' Mathews breaks collarbone

By The Associated Press

Monday, December 17, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) — The San Diego Chargers were eliminated from the playoff race and their star running back appears done for the season.

Ryan Mathews broke his left collarbone in the second quarter of San Diego’s 31-7 loss to Carolina on Sunday. The injury-prone Mathews broke his right collarbone in the exhibition opener and missed the first two weeks of the regular season.

Robert Griffin III was upset he didn’t play for Washington a week after spraining his right knee, but backup Kirk Cousins made him feel a bit better as he led the Redskins to a 38-21 win over Cleveland.

“I was not happy with the decision,” said Griffin, who was informed Saturday night of the plan to start Cousins. “That’s the decision they went with and I respect that. It doesn’t mean I have to necessarily like it. I feel like I could have played this week, next week, the week after. But that’s not my decision.”

Cousins threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s fifth straight win, 38-21. He connected with Leonard Hankerson for both TDs in his first career start, coming off the bench after Griffin got hurt against Baltimore and rallying the Redskins to an overtime win.

“We’re in first place in our division now, and it was a great business trip for us,” Griffin said. “I got healthier by not playing, we won the game and put ourselves in position to control our own destiny.”

Redskins right tackle Tyler Polumbus suffered a concussion, but coach Mike Shanahan had no updates on linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (shoulder) or offensive lineman Will Montgomery (knee).

Baltimore wide receiver Torrey Smith left the Ravens’ 34-17 loss to Denver with a concussion after hitting his head while attempting to make a leaping catch near the sideline in the third quarter.

Ravens backup running back Bernard Pierce also left with a concussion.

Minnesota defensive end Brian Robison sprained the AC joint in a shoulder during the first quarter of the Vikings’ 36-22 win at St. Louis. Coach Leslie Frazier said Robison would undergo an MRI on Monday.

Miami cornerback Nolan Carroll (left knee) and tight end Charles Clay (right knee) were hurt in the second quarter of the Dolphins’ 24-3 win over Jacksonville.